Jim Beachum, 79
July 14, 1944 – March 7, 2024
TUPELO – Jim Beachum died on March 7, 2024, at age 79 in Tupelo. He was a wonderful family man and loyal friend to many, helping lots of people who never even knew of his selfless generosity to them and many who did. People loved his sense of humor, and he was always a welcome presence to any door he opened. He had the gifts of compassion, mercy, and service.
James Mark Beachum was born in Tupelo on July 14, 1944, to William Bailey Beachum and Bonnie Marie Wood Beachum. He and his older brother Billy Beachum and younger brother Bob Beachum were a rowdy trio who loved sports, cars, and working in their father’s country store in the New Chapel community of Itawamba County. He graduated from Nettleton High School and then attended Itawamba Junior College and Mississippi State University.
His career as an accountant began in the 1960s, lasting until recent retirement. His clients included many businesses and individuals throughout North Mississippi, whom he considered friends as well. He provided them with accounting, bookkeeping, tax work, and payroll administration. He also owned the Duke Pecan Store in Tupelo, which was open seasonally each November and December for several decades.
Jim married Jencie Moore on October 1, 1965, and they enjoyed a beautiful marriage of over 58 years. Their children are Chris Beachum, Amy Beachum O’Daniel (married to Chris O’Daniel) and Andy Beachum (married to Cari Beachum). He took great pride in his six grandchildren: Cameron O’Daniel (married to Taylor), Clayton O’Daniel (engaged to Maddie), Carson O’Daniel, Alex Beachum, Anna Cate Beachum, and Connor O’Daniel.
He also loved his three nephews and three nieces: Kim Beachum, Curt Beachum, Whitney Moore Thompson, Kevin Moore, Jeff Beachum, and Lana Beachum Williams. His other special family members included his sister-in-law Anita Beachum (married to Bob), brother-in-law Jerry Moore (married to Patsy), and dozens of cousins (both living and gone) from his Beachum and Wood families.
Jim and Jencie were longtime and faithful members of Harrisburg Baptist Church, joining in 1970. He was an elected deacon for many years and also served on the recreation/activities committees, was a record keeper for Sunday School, was the expert biscuit maker for the men’s ministry for a long time and enjoyed his time as a greeter.
He loved cheering on the MSU Bulldogs, especially in football and baseball. His other loves included yardwork, watching Western movies and shows, and enjoying almost anything on TV with Southern gospel and country music. Some of his favorite travels were to the Holy Land, Hawaii, the Wild West, and the Smokey Mountains.
A Service celebrating Jim’s life will be held at 2 PM Sunday, March 10, 2024 in the Sadie Holland Memorial Chapel at Holland Funeral Directors-Tupelo with visitation beginning at Noon until service time. Rev. Chris O’Daniel and Rev. Cameron O’Daniel will officiate. For those unable to attend, the service may be viewed at www.hollandfuneraldirectors.com/live-streaming. A private burial will follow at Tupelo Memorial Park Cemetery on Joyner Avenue in Tupelo.
Pallbearers are his grandchildren. Honorary pallbearers are Curt Beachum, Jeff Beachum, Bobby Chism, John Harris, Jerry Jernigan, Jerry Moore, Kevin Moore, and John Simmons.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to Sanctuary Hospice House in Tupelo, P.O. Box 2177, Tupelo, MS 38802.
Please follow the funeral home link above for further information, or to send online condolences or memorial gifts.
